Best Scuba Diving Masks (For Every Face Shape & Budget)

A scuba diving mask is one the first piece of gear divers buy for themselves.

Not only are rental masks not guaranteed to fit properly, but they've also been used and spit in hundreds of times.

Choosing a mask that not only fits the shape of your face but also doesn't fog, and is comfortable during your entire dive makes a huge difference.

In this article, I've narrowed down the best scuba diving masks down to just five choices, so you can pick the the right one for you.

Scuba Mask Buying Guide

The fit of your mask is the most important thing.

A mask that doesn't seal properly will leak no matter what the lense type is or how good the glass is.

To test the fit, place the mask on your face without the strap and inhale gently through your nose.

It should hold to your face with no hands.

If it drops or lets air in, it's not the right mask for your face.

Every mask skirt is slightly different. Some will conform to your face better than others, so trying a few is worth it before committing.

Frameless masks have only glass and silicone skirt, no hard plastic frame.

They typically sit closer to your face, which means lower volume, better visibility, and easier equalizing.

They also fold flat, which makes them ideal for travel.

Framed masks have a hard plastic border around the lenses. They tend to hold their shape better and are often easier to handle when gearing up.

Low-volume masks sit close to your face and hold less air. They are most commonly used as a freediving mask, where conserving air on one breath is essential.

This is less of a concern for scuba divers, so I wouldn't get a low volume mask unless you want it to double as both a freediving and scuba mask.

If you need prescription lenses, look for a mask with removable, interchangeable lenses.

Not every mask supports this, so check before buying. This narrows your options but it's a non-negotiable if your vision requires it.

Single lens masks give a wider, unobstructed field of view with no center frame dividing your vision.

Dual lens masks are easier to fit prescription lenses into and can offer a better seal on certain face shapes.

Neither is objectively better. It comes down to your face and personal preference!

Hollis M1: Top Pick

The Hollis M1 is a frameless mask with a single lens, aimed at maximizing field of view without distortion. The slick, matte black design has an extra-low profile and fits a wide range of face shapes.

It folds flat, which makes it convenient for travel, and the low-profile silicone skirt is described as comfortable and reliably leak-free.

Scubapro Spectra: Best Dual Lens Design

The Spectra is a low-profile dual lens mask available in several colors.

It's a low-volume mask designed for easy clearing and equalization. The strap has a push-button quick release on the side and the ability to fold flat for travel or to fit inside a BCD pocket.

Cressi F1 Frameless: Best Frameless & Best Budget

The Cressi F1 is the cheapest mask on this list, built by one of the industry's established dive brands. The buckles are anchored into the frame, often a weak point on cheaper masks, meant to add durability.

Its ergonomic, easy-to-use design also makes it a solid pick for beginners. The F1 also comes with a 2-year warranty!

It's also available in 9 colors, including clear, so there's an option for everyone.

Tusa M-2001 Paragon: Best UV Protection

I've never used this mask, but the TUSA Paragon is the highest end mask on this list, and comes in two different variants, being the Tusa Paragon and Paragon S. The S is single lens, where as the base Paragon is dual lense.

The glass is Tusa's CrystalView optical glass, treated with UV420 and an anti-reflective coating, giving it the strongest sun protection of any mask on this list.

The frame uses Tusa's Tri-Mix construction: a polyurethane bumper, a metal cross-beam, and a polycarbonate frame bolted together for durability.

The skirt uses Tusa's Freedom Technology, a dimpled silicone surface with stability ridges which should add extra comfort.

Hammerhead MV3 Action: Best for Filming

This is the mask I personally dive with, as it has a built in GoPro mount on the frame. It also so happens that this mask fits my face extremely well, even with a large beard and mustache. I never have an issue with leaking!

I've tried to use some of the attachment GoPro mounts on the single lens masks, but I haven't been able to get them to lock tight with the zip tie. Perhaps I need to do it differently.

As a dive-in content creator, the ability to record is the ultimate priority for me. It's likely not for you!

It's a low-volume, two-lens design with a matte silicone skirt, built more for freediving and spearfishing than traditional scuba, but that low volume also makes it easy to clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to burn in a new scuba mask before use?

In my experience, new scuba diving smasks ship with a silicone coating on the inside of the lens that makes them prone to fogging.

Some divers "burn" this off with a lighter. I have used this before and it's helped, but if you're unsure what you're doing, it's best to just use tooth paste and a toothbrush to scrub the coating off.

Ask your local dive shop for help!

Can I rent a scuba diving mask?

Almost all dive shops offer masks for rent, usually included in the price of a fundive or course.

Nothing beats a personal mask that you're familiar with and fits well.

I travel with my GoPro mask, but I've rented plenty of masks before while on the road.

Which is better, single or double lens?

A single pane mask offers the most uninterrupted field of vision since there's no lens break over the nose.

Dual lenses reduce the field of view slightly but often sit at a lower volume, and they're the only option that supports prescription lenses.

Another consideration is that dual frame or lens masks are generally the only types of masks that you can install a GoPro mount yourself.

There's attachments that you can buy with a zip tie, where you can bolt an attachment point onto your mask.

This is only possible with dual-lens masks.

Worth checking too: some mask lines sell an alternate version in both single- and dual-lens, so you don't have to pick a completely different mask just to get the lens count you want.

What is the best scuba mask for facial hair?

The best mask for facial hair is the one that fits the face the best. This is something that I struggled with for a while: finding the right mask and not having it leak because of my mustache.

As long as it forms a good seal around the rest of the face, facial hair usually isn't a dealbreaker, though more frequent clearing may be needed.